Car pg 4 8-24-23
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captions, clockwise from top left:
1954 Buick Roadmaster
1956 Bel Air
Town Administrator Elaine Sistare and Mayor Barney Seney
Steve Gilman at the wheel of his 1924 Chevy Model 490 Superior Deluxe. See story online Wed. night.
From left: Mayor's Award to Scott Jussaume. Best Interior to Juan and Gayl Osuba and Best GM to Jill Exley.
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Putnam was awash in good vibration Aug. 20 as the annual Main Street Car Cruise descended on the town.
Cars — young and old — and visitors — young and old — jammed Rotary Park, downtown and, this year, Kennedy Drive. Recreation Director Willie Bousquet said “this year we had to use Kennedy Drive, too.”
The cruise, one of the largest in New England, is presented by the Town of Putnam, its Recreation Department and the Putnam Business Association. The event also included a Pluck-a-Duck Kid Zone which this year included a dunk tank.
Movie mania hit with cars from Ghostbusters, DeLorean, Love Bug, Starsky & Hutch and Knight Rider.
Twenty-one trophies were awarded including: Best Ford, Nick Leary; Best Ford FoMoCo, Stan Porter; Best Truck, Nelson Stalker; Best Paint, Doug Ottman; Best Interior, Juan and Gayl Osuba; Best Corvette, Frank Snyder; Best Rat Rod, Jesse Russell; Best Pro Street, Michael Carparco; Best Survivor, Wyatt Sheldon; Best Off Road, Art Raymond; Best Truck Over 10K, James Russell; Best Race Car, Tanner Bentley; Best Jeep, Paul Hoenig; Alan Joslin Award, Andy Laflamme; Tom Mater, George Barghi and Best GM, Jill Exley. The Mayor’s Award went to Scott Jussaume for his 1967 Camaro RS SS Convertible 396.
Major cruise sponsors included: Chase Graphics, Linemaster, Gerardi Insurance, WINY Radio, Longmeadow Automotive, Day Kimball Health, Vachon GMC, bankHometown, Byrnes Agency, CR Premier properties, WIN Waste Innovations, D.B.C. Solutions, Putnam Jeep, Dodge, Kia, Radical Auto Detail, Quiet Corner Inn and Creamery Brook Bison.
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Trio pg 4 8-24-23
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caption:
Former Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois, right, enjoyed spending time with his Pawtucket Red Sox Manager Joe Morgan on Red Sox Alumni Day.
caption, page 7:
Local Red Sox rooters on the sacred turf of Fenway pose with Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker (2nd R). From left: Kevin Merchant, Ron Coderre, Roger LaFrancois, Walker, and Moe Coderre.
Trio enjoys a day
among the stars
at Fenway Park
The invitation came via e-mail from former Boston Red Sox catcher Roger LaFrancois. He shared that the Red Sox were hosting a day for former players as guests of the team to watch the 2023 edition of the BoSox in action against the Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 6. Would I be interested in joining for the day? The answer was a no-brainer! Certainly yes! The icing on the invitation was that LaFrancois was entitled to three guests for the event.
Joining him for the “Alumni Day” along with me Ron Coderre was my brother Moe and former Jewett City Savings Bank President Kevin Merchant. The trio was so excited that Moe Coderre said, “it was like being a kid getting up on Christmas morning.”
In addition to being treated like royalty, in a suite located high above third base and with an entourage of Red Sox legends was beyond all expectations. The group also received another surprise. Upon arrival at Fenway Park, they were escorted on to the field prior to the game and spent time with Pete Walker of Waterford, the pitching coach of the Blue Jays.
The congenial Walker, who runs the annual World Baseball Coaches Clinic with LaFrancois at Mohegan Sun Casino, was gracious and generous with his time. After spending time with Walker, the group moved to the suite reserved for former players and guests.
As the players trickled in, it was like a ‘who’s who’ of Red Sox stars from the past five decades. The list included the likes of Mike Remlinger, Skip Lockwood, Gary DeSarcina of NESN fame, Bob Montgomery, Chico Walker, Gary Wasilewski, Bob ‘Steamer’ Stanley, ex-Sox manager Joe Morgan and Luis ‘El Tiante’ Tiant.
LaFrancois was much sought after by many of his former teammates. He especially enjoyed reuniting with his Pawtucket Red Sox manager Joe Morgan of ‘Morgan Magic’ notoriety. In 1988, Morgan assumed the manager’s position from John McNamara. Under Morgan, the Sox won 12 straight and 19 of 20. The team went on to win the American League East pennant but unfortunately were swept by the Oakland A’s in the playoffs.
The 93-year-old Morgan was his same gregarious and humorous self. He openly answered all questions and posed for photos with everyone. It appeared he was enjoying himself as much as the guests who approached him.
LaFrancois also had the opportunity to reconnect with his former battery mate Bob Stanley. Stanley reminisced of their days in Pawtucket and of his many visits to Day Kimball Hospital’s Annual Sports Auction at the former J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. He noted how he always appreciated the hospitality of the people of Putnam.
Shaking hands with Luis Tiant and meeting his wife and daughter was a treat for everyone. Merchant, who had secured a baseball from Walker earlier, rued the fact that he didn’t ask Tiant to sign it. Nevertheless, he talked about meeting Tiant until the group finally arrived in Putnam.
At the conclusion of the game there were many handshakes and hugs as players who hadn’t seen each other in years said their goodbyes. For the LaFrancois group, they left with mixed emotions. The Sox were manhandled 13-3 by the Blue Jays. They were happy for their friend Pete Walker but on the other hand were saddened by the play of the boys from Beantown. All agreed the memories will linger for years to come.
By Ronald P. Coderre
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Cal pg 6 8-24-23
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Wed. Aug. 23
Art Exhibit
PUTNAM --- “A Cacophony of Greys” Exhibit and Reception by Steve Veilleux will be on display in The Corridor Gallery at the Putnam Municipal Complex through Sept. 30. Features a series of black and white and monotone photographs. All welcome. Free. PutnamCtArtsCouncil.com for gallery hours and info.
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present, as part of its Art @ the Library “Memory and Imagination: Explorations in Color” by Lisa Davidson, Susan Graseck and Sally Rogers until the end of August. In the Display Case: The Quiet Corner Garden Club - Celebrating Native Plants and Pollinators. 860-923-9779.
Fri. Aug. 25
Hike
HAMPTON --- James Goodwin Conservation Center will present a 4-mile hike around Pine Acres Pond from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a little elevation change, roots and rocks, so be sure to bring water and hiking footwear. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sat. Aug. 26
Nature Program
HAMPTON --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Nature Sketchbook Journaling” from 10 a.m. to noon at Trail Wood on Kenyon Road. Suggested supplies: watercolor sketchbook, permanent marker, portable watercolor kit, small cup to hold water, and paper towels. $15 CAS members; $25 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Good Acoustics
PUTNAM --- The Bradley Playhouse will present “Good Acoustics: A Musical Tribute to James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkel,” at 7 p.m. $35. www.thebradleyplayhouse.org
Sun. Aug. 27
Cruise Fund-raiser
THOMPSON --- DKH will hold its Cruise, BBQ & Brew - Motorcycle & Car Cruise at 10 a.m. at the Thompson Speedway and The Black Dog Bar & Grille in Putnam. Benefits the NECT Cancer Fund of Day Kimball Healthcare. $35 registration. daykimball.org/cruising.
Tues. Aug. 29
Fish Hatchery
PLAINFIELD --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center will present “Plainfield Fish Hatchery Walk” at 8 a.m. at the hatchery. One of the top birding spots in Windham County. $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Wed. Aug. 30
Nighthawk Watch
POMFRET --- The Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret Center on Day Road will present “Nighthawk Watch” at 6 p.m. $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Register: 860-928-4948.
Thur. Aug. 31
Blue Moon Hike
HAMPTON --- The James L. Goodwin State Forest for a guided night hike during the blue moon from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Meet at the Goodwin Conservation Center before heading in our cars to the trailhead by Black Spruce Pond. Bring at least a flashlight; a headlamp may be better for the roots, rocks and keeping your hands free. There is some incline. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sun. Sept. 3
Sunflowers Fund-raiser
POMFRET --- United Services of Connecticut will have its annual Sunflower for Kids starting at 10 a.m. at Lapsley Orchards. The end-of-summer bounty of sunflowers and wildflowers, which are harvested and sold in bunches, or available to pick your own. 100 percent of proceeds are donated to United Services Children and Family Programs.
Fri. Sept. 8
Golf Classic
PUTNAM --- The Day Kimball Hospital Centreville Bank Golf Classic will set off at 7:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Connecticut National Country Club. For info: daykimball.org/golfclassic.
Sun. Sept. 10
Jazz Fund-raiser
WINDHAM --- The Windham Free Library will hold a fund-raiser, the 21st Annual Jazz in the Garden, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 80 Windham Center Road. $60 Pre-sale/$65 at event. Benefits The Windham Free Library. For more info; visit: https://thewindhamfreelibrary.org/jazz/
Sat. Sept. 23
Celebrating Agriculture
BROOKLYN --- 2023 Celebrating Agriculture will begin at 9 a.m. at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds.
Sat. Sept. 30
BBQ
WOODSTOCK --- The Bungay Fire Brigade will host its fall 2023 Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6 p.m. www.bungay.com.
Community Day
THOMPSON --- The Town of Thompson’s 19th Annual Thompson Community Day will be held from 11 a.m. .to 4 p.m. at Riverside Park. Oct. 1 is the rain date.
Sat. Nov. 11
Dueling Pianos
THOMPSON --- The DKH Dueling Pianos fund-raiser will be held at 6 p.m. at the Raceway Restaurant and Banquet Hall. Benefits Day Kimball Healthcare At Home services of HomeCare, HomeMakers, and Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. Food, drawings and more. Tickets $45, must be purchased in advance. daykimball.org/pianos.
Sun. Dec. 3
Tree of Life
The DKH 34th Annual Hospice Tree of Life Ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. in 11 towns throughout northeastern Connecticut. The purchase of memorial lights on each community's Tree of Life benefits Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Connecticut. For info: daykimball.org/treeoflife.
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obits pg 6 8-24-23
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Thomas Preece
SPRING HILLS, Fla. — Thomas Alfred Preece, 66, of Spring Hills, son of the late Norman A. Preece Jr and Alice L. Preece, died July 25, 2023, at home.
He was born April 18, 1957, in Tokyo, Japan.
While attending Killingly High School, Thom’s love of music developed. He sang in the chorus and in a barbershop quartet which won a TV talent show called Community Auditions. He participated in several high school productions including You Can’t Take It With You, My Fair Lady, and Fiddler on the Roof. He played tuba and sousaphone in the concert and marching bands and was selected for the All Eastern regional band. He later became proficient with playing numerous instruments. Thom also developed his art skills by taking photography and media classes. He enjoyed drawing sci-fi characters and scenes.
After graduating in 1975, Thom worked as a security guard at Ames Dept. store to earn money to attend Northwestern to study music. After taking several courses at Northwestern and then QVCC, he eventually decided to join the National Guard playing in their band. He held various jobs in Connecticut (motorcycle mechanic at Danielson Suzuki, security guard, gas station attendant) before moving to Spring Hills to take over his father’s bicycle business.
He leaves his mother, Alice Preece from Spring Hill; brother Ray Preece (Debbie) from Brooklyn; three 3 sisters, Theresa Maze (Dave) from Bridgeport, Frankie Rollinson (Paul) from Pomfret Center, and Patti Watkins (Kelly) from Flowery Branch, Ga.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 30, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dayville.
Roger Corriveau
N. GROSVENORDALE — Roger William Corriveau, 70, died Aug. 17, 2023.
Born in 1952, in Putnam, he was the son of the late George and Jeanette (Montpelier) Corriveau.
Roger was an artist, musician, a skilled mechanic.
He was an avid environmentalist.
He played guitar, built elaborate dream catchers, made leather moccasins and drew beautiful pictures to mail to his grandchildren.
He kept meticulous records of the Corriveau genealogy.
He was a storyteller and a poet.
His passion for his 1978 Harley and bike rodeos were the core of who he was.
He lived and breathed Harley Davidson and it was a lifelong love story.
He leaves two daughters, Venus (Lori) Corriveau of Boston, and Tracy (Wendy) Corriveau of Canterbury; three brothers, George Corriveau of Pennsylvania, Alfred Corriveau of Willimantic, Richard Corriveau of N. Grosvenordale; two grandsons, Zander and Wyatt Corriveau of Boston.
Roger is predeceased by brother, Paul Corriveau, and sisters, Doris and Pauline Corriveau.
A graveside service for Roger will be Aug. 26 at St Joseph’s Cemetery.
Donations: The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 08508.
Valade Funeral Home & Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.
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